If you’re a budding bird watcher, naturist or citizen scientist then this one’s for you…
This weekend, April 25 to 28, Terra, Expo City Dubai, is proud to host the City Nature Challenge in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF, Dubai Holding Entertainment, and Nature Wave. This worldwide initiative encourages global participation and local exploration. The real-time data supports scientists in protecting urban biodiversity.
All you have to do is download the iNaturalist app. It’s a science based app that allows you to snap pictures of the plants and animals you find around the world, sharing them with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data.
Whether you are sipping coffee on your balcony, walking through a park, or lounging in your backyard, you can join the challenge by photographing any wild plant or animal and uploading it to the iNaturalist app between April 25 and 28. Whether it’s the chirping of purple sunbirds that you spot, or the quick scurry of a sand gecko, the flutter of salmon Arab butterflies or the rustle of miswak bushes, Dubai is teeming with life just waiting to be noticed.
When performance is as important as environmental integrity, you get sportswear with a conscious.
Founded by Alexandra Knight and Nujood Khaled, Me & My Activewear is locally designed in the U.A.E. and crafted from recycled ocean waste and eco-friendly fabrics in Italy, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the collection.
The collection features breathable fabrics, muscular containment and sweat-proof technology to support you throughout your workout. With clothing for women, teens and girls, that’s built to thrive in the Middle East’s hot climate, each piece also features a UPF 50+ rating for ultimate sun protection.
With OEKO-TEX® and Bluesign® certifications, customers have the peace of mind knowing that Me & My Activewearfabrics are free from harmful substances, rigorously tested for safety and uphold the highest environmental standards.
Here’s what the founders said when I spoke to them about their new label;
Why is it important for you to design a collection sustainably
Sustainability was key at the very beginning of this project and something I was not going to pivot from, it had to be the core of our business, a part of its foundations. This was driven by my personal passion for doing what I can to make a difference and a positive impact on the environment.
In my previous role I made a decision in 2019 to remove all plastic water bottles from the offices and site at Zayed Sports City and negotiated a partnership with No More Bottles to install filtration systems across site inside and out, we were the first sports and recreation facility in the Middle East to implement this and the impact was huge, in the offices alone it was saving at least 300 plastic bottles of water a day.
When it came to establishing Me & My Activewear it took 17 months from concept idea to creation, we needed to produce activewear that performed, but was kind to the person and the planet. Sustainability isn’t just about a fabric that has been recycled or an organic cotton, it’s about how the fabric was created, where it was created, it’s quality and durability to ensure we are crafting activewear that is made to last. Our customers deserve to have the choice to be wearing the same kit in 10 years, a timeless, high-quality range that is custom designed.
Our main collection is made from ECONYL®, Regenerated Nylon from recycled waste, including fishing nets, carpets, industrial plastic and clothing take back programmes. Boosting the same qualities as brand-new nylon, but unlike tradition nylon it can be recycled, recreated and remoulded over and over again. Every 10,000 tons of ECONYL®, 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved and 65,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions are avoided.
Do you feel there is still space for more fitness clothing in the market here?
I feel that the market is currently flooded with activewear brands and I hear of more soon to enter the market. So, my answer to this is no but also yes…
No, I don’t believe there is room for anymore brands that are founded on the same USPs and share the same strategic profile. They are focused on core attributes of what the current market tells us customers want, such as muscle compression, soft fabrics, moisture wicking and supportive. They are often made in similar production houses, where they have a catalogue to select the style, colour, fabric and on goes their logo.
However, there is space for brands that want to step out of the crowd and create activewear that diverges from the current norm, and adds value to the customer. Brands that want to lead rather than follow, seek inspiration rather than focusing on competition, and work towards change.
Me & My Activewear has maintained the product attributes that are the base of sportswear and have created a brand that gives our customers more, is made to last and is eco-friendly.
UPF50+
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 meaning that it has been tested for harmful chemicals and is deemed safe to human health
Bluesign® certificate meaning that the fabrics have been manufactured to strict work safety and environmental standards to minimise the impact on people and planet
Designed here in the UAE and made in Italy with Italian fabrics that have been specifically selected for the Middle East climate
Made from regenerated waste – Ocean waste such as fishing nets, discarded carpets and plastic bottles, as well as waste that would otherwise end up in landfills
How important is the sustainability factor for your clientele?
Customers are looking for sustainable options but are not willing to compromise on quality and performance.
Specifically for our clients we have found that people are truly pleasantly shocked when they know the fabric is made from regenerated waste, they love the feel of the fabric on the skin and once they try it, they buy it. There is no compromise, they are simply getting more and making a sustainable purchase.
Four Seasons Mauritius atAnahita is ensuring a sustainable future with the region’s first seagrass meadow nursery. The first resort in the Indian Ocean to develop such a project, the nursery is located in a one-meter-deep (40 inch) saltwater body near the dining facilities, and is currently hosting more than 200 herbivore and omnivore fish.
Through photosynthesis, seagrasses remove carbon dioxide from the water and use the carbon to build their leaves and roots. Plant material that collects on the low-oxygen sediment on the ocean floor decomposes much slower than on land. Seagrass provides food and shelter for many organisms, and are a nursery ground for many prawn and fish species. All of this increases tourism (through activities like bird watching and scuba diving), the cleaning of coastal waters and sediment stabilisation.
This initiative is part of the Blue Carbon Ecosystems Project: Restoration of Blue Carbon Ecosystems, which is currently led by the Odysseo Foundation, a local trust developing marine conservation projects in Mauritius.
Rick-Ernest Bonnier, the Resort Ocean Environment Manager, explains: “The Seagrass Nursery is a pilot project that aims to restore the seagrass meadows in the marine area around the resort. Both transplants and seeds will be collected from the wild and used to create a seagrass nursery in the resort’s Barachois. Seeds will be germinated in an Odysseo lab and the developed seedlings will then be transplanted to the resort’s Barachois until maturity.”
“These ecosystems provide essential services for humanity as they are highly efficient carbon sinks, crucial in the fight against global warming; they serve as important fish nurseries, whose loss would threaten many species that are vital food sources for marine life and island nations, such as Mauritius.” Bernardo Nascimento, Odysseo Foundation Manager, Curator and Head of Education.
The Seagrass Nursery project is one of many ways that Four Seasons guests can engage with the local environment, alongside resort nature walks and their seahorse snorkel.
Smiling for all the right reasons after a Q&A with Hollywood’s smile specialist Dr. Apa.
If you don’t know the name by now, Dr. Apa is famed for creating those perfect smiles you see on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Uma Thurman, Kyle Richards to the Olsen Twins, and more. Focusing on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers that are more than just a set of veneers.
Here’s what he has to say about an industry that’s not often known for focusing on sustainability, but like any other, has waste to manage and greenwashing to navigate.
How do you integrate more sustainability within in your practice?
There are different ways to think about sustainability. The most obvious way I integrate it into my practice is by ensuring precision and longevity in our work. Limiting the need for redos reduces material waste, lab work and unnecessary procedures. We are continually finding ways to integrate technology into our workflow, without compromising our signature aesthetic. By digitizing some of the early steps in a smile makeover, we can minimize material waste.
Is there any greenwashing within the industry to be aware of?
Like any industry, dentistry isn’t immune to marketing buzzwords. There’s a lot of talk about ‘natural,’ ‘eco-friendly,’ and ‘biocompatible’ materials, but not all of it is backed by real science. I always encourage patients to ask for transparency—what’s actually in the products, how they perform, and whether they truly deliver on their promises. At the end of the day, our focus should be on both aesthetics and long-term oral health, using materials and techniques that are safe, effective, and backed by research.
How do you encourage a more sustainable mindset for your patrons?
Sustainability in dentistry starts with making choices that last. My approach has always been to use the highest quality materials and techniques to create smiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements or corrections. We also educate our patients on proper oral care, so they can maximize their results.
With toothbrushes being one of the biggest single use plastic products out there, how would you suggest we reduce our footprint here? (What do you think of alternative products?)
It’s true that toothbrushes contribute to plastic waste, but the key is finding a balance between sustainability and effectiveness. While there are bamboo and biodegradable options out there, not all of them provide the same level of performance when it comes to truly maintaining oral health. My recommendation is to invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush with replaceable heads—this reduces overall waste while ensuring the best care for your teeth.
Has AI helped shape your practice moving forwards?
There is a lot of potential with AI but it’s all still a work in progress. Technology, in general, is an incredible tool, but the human element—our expertise, creativity, and attention to detail—will always be at the heart of what we do.
What other advances are helping to ensure more effective dentistry for 2025?
Dentistry is evolving fast, and 2025 is bringing even more exciting advancements. We’re seeing major improvements in digital scanning, AI-driven diagnostics, and 3D printing, which allow for more precise, customized restorations with faster turnaround times. Minimally invasive techniques are also becoming more sophisticated, helping us preserve more of the natural tooth structure while achieving incredible aesthetic results. We’re experimenting with digital wax-ups as a more efficient preview of the patient’s new smile. Ultimately, the goal is to make treatments more efficient, long-lasting, sustainable, and patient-friendly without compromising on quality or artistry.
Summer is starting to peak its head round the corner so I’m starting to think in a bit more colour. Here’s my wishlist from businessofprelovedfashion.com (Bopf) with the South of France in mind.
Bopf is a locally based second life luxury website run by Diza and Ify—a husband-and-wife team whose passion for fashion sees them ‘moving Birkins, Kellys, and everything in between.’
A beautiful Iftar at The Guild celebrated the launch of ‘The Celestial Collection’, a collaboration between locally based lab-grown diamond specialists Diamind and Jordanian/British Hannah Rasekh. “A tribute to the infinite beauty of the cosmos” Crafted using lab-grown diamonds set in 18-carat gold, the collection was inspired by the grandeur of the night sky, with designs that “reflect the shimmering constellations, radiant orbits, and the delicate interplay of light and space.”
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way, and according to Morgan Stanley, “lab-grown diamonds accounted for an estimated 14.3% of total diamond supply in 2024.”
With a continued projected increase in market share for 25-26, investing in lab-grown is also the most environmentally friendly way to increase your luxury accessories game, as it produces only a fraction of carbon emissions that mining natural diamonds does.
Lab-grown gems are also more affordable and becoming more popular – last year alone, according to the diamond industry analyst Edahn Golan, 45.3% of the diamond engagement rings sold in the US had lab-grown diamonds in.
Shoppers in Dubai are among the most connected in the world, with an internet penetration rate of 99 percent. But as much as online shopping offers us the at-home or on-the-go ease of perusing what’s in store, without having to actually be there, rates of return items are increasing.
Why is this a concern? Returns don’t just double the journey of our purchases; they exponentially increase their carbon footprint. Shipping and returns collectively account for 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the retail industry, and returns alone add an additional 30% to the carbon emissions of the initial delivery.
So whilst we have precious few opportunities to be self-indulgent nowadays, making the effort to go in-store and actually try on items we like is actually helping to make you a more sustainable shopper! Plus, there’s nothing that compares to the sensation of feeling the quality of clothing on a rail IRL.
Here’s where you can visit in Dubai for a second-hand luxury experience:
In a world of dupes, I much prefer shopping for original, vintage or a piece of heritage.
Second hand shopping needn’t be something to be ashamed of… it’s a crucial way to shop sustainably and often, the only way to find items that have long since sold out in store or been out of your reach financially too.
40% of all apparel items purchased in 2023 were secondhand. In 2023, the global market value of secondhand and resale apparel was estimated to be worth 197 billion U.S. dollars. 65% of the projected secondhand market growth through 2028.
I am offering a round up of the pieces that have caught my eye each week to help make it a little easier for you to get on board (if you haven’t already done so!)
Here’s what I’ve got in my wishlist from TheLuxuryCloset.com
This stunning Cartier silver 18K yellow gold Baignoire watch
Just my type… Chanel navy blue suede cap toe CC slingback pumps in a size 38
Ready to hit the J1 beach clubs with this one… Chanel navy blue CC beach towel
There’s a theme this week clearly… but can’t go wrong with these vintage looking Chanel gold earrings!
Officially on my wishlist after the London show… a Burberry wool coat!
Throwing this one in for fun…
Everyone needs a pair of plain white sneakers, might as well make them Prada
Getting ready for Vegas with these cute SL ankle boots!
If you prefer (like me) to keep active when on holiday, rather than a wellness retreat at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, you can now immerse yourselves in a different kind of hands-on marine experience, one that is truly aimed at eco-minded adventurers.
For a change of mindset, why not enjoy the beauty of the Maldives and its aqua blue waters with a side of conservation?
Despite producing a fraction of global emissions, the Maldives is adversely affected by the climate crisis. This archipelago is home to some of the most beautiful coral reef’s in the world, but due to over exploitation – fishing, tourism, pollution, coastal development and climate change – these reefs are degrading and losing their capacity to support the people who depend on them. Temperatures are increasing, which has caused issues like ocean acidification and loss of biodiversity throughout.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a marine biologist (I know I have), this offering allows guests to actively engage in the protection of marine life, providing a unique and educational bio-adventure, focusing on the often overlooked natural ecosystem in this popular destination.
Dive into conservation snorkeling, guided by the resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, where you will collect essential data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, writing slates, and will learn to identify their native species.
Guests will aim to assess coral reef conditions, which is important because they represent the strategic natural offshore sea-defences, and contribute to protecting the local marine ecosystem. Findings will be discussed with their marine expert Shah, offering deeper insights into marine life at the Iru Fushi lagoon and house reef.
From Sweden to the Middle East, Scarlett Poppies elegant resort wear offers a timeless array of beautiful dresses, kaftans and co-ords, heavenly adorned with artisanal detailing. The collections are designed by a mix of designers from different corners of the world via sustainable production methods.
Each collection will always showcase unique embroidery techniques and other handmade elements, ensuring that jobs are created in the garment industry, rather than removed by modern machines replacing skilled artisans. Using and promoting this range of unique embroidery traditions and skillsets, keeps them alive for the future.
Scarlett Poppies collections range from dresses, tops, tunics, jumpsuits to true beach cover-ups such as kimonos and kaftan dresses etc. “Comfort and easy breezy materials are key.” With fabrics originating from nature such as; cotton, linen, silk and viscose – the latter generated from cellulosic pulp.
Using up stock fabrics from one collection to another helps to minimise waste. Wherever possible they choose organic fabric options rather than conventional, as well as fabrics that are locally available and produced in the country where the collection is manufactured, to avoid increased carbon footprints within the supply chain.
